2. Keep communicatingOne of the best ways to fight stress is to discuss your problems with a friend or relative. Talking to other people shows us we're not alone and helps us put our stress in perspective. Writing about what's bothering you in a journal can be equally effective.

4. Make time for laughter and funSurround yourself with happy people who like to laugh. You'll find laughter is one of the best stress remedies.

5. Use a variety of relaxation techniquesDeep-breathing exercises, progressive relaxation, visualization, creative imagery, yoga, meditation, or listening to relaxation tapes can help. Once you become fluent in one or two relaxation techniques, you can use them to manage your stress.

6. Live in the presentTake a moment to think about the causes of your stress. Many of them may come from thinking about the past or worrying about the future. If you can plant yourself firmly in the present, you can leave many worries behind and focus more clearly on solutions to current problems.

Contact Cascade EAP for more information on how to reduce stress. Call 800.433.2320, text to 503-980-1777 or email: info@cascadecenters.com